Young ISDR: One way to be an ECR representative
Young ISDR: One way to be an ECR representative
What does the role entail?
Hmm, good question. The first thing that it needs is an idea. What do you want to improve for the diatomist Early Career Researchers (ECRs)? Do you want to make more networking opportunities for them? Or have new ideas altogether how to run it? Sky’s the limit!
We are of course part of the International Society for Diatom Research. As such, we are represented by two ECR representatives, incoming (now Kálmán) and outgoing (now me, Andrea). They represent ECRs in the council meetings that are regularly held. If things have to be voted on, the ECR representatives keep the ECRs interests in mind. If unsure, they may ask for a delay of the vote in order to let the ECR members vote. We usually use our own mailing list (you know, youngdiatomists@googlegroups.com) to get the feedback.
The best thing is that ECR representatives are not alone. Amazing volunteers give up their time and energy to keep the social media alive with new content, coming up with ideas on how to network as a global society, creating fun activities and so much more! Recently we have been joined by the whole of the Diatom of the Month group, who creates these fun and interesting posts to showcase your science. In order to keep in motion, we are meeting about once a month, but regularity varies as we all are busy people (isn’t everyone?).
One of the most important things that awaits is that every two years (or so, thank you, pandemic!) we meet up as a society during the International Diatom Symposium. There we are usually very active, preparing activities for ECRs on site, and in combination with the local team we organize stuff including but not restricted to: ECR meeting, the ECR networking activity at a pub or gastronomy (paid for by the society), fun speed talks and, last but not least, workshops, which we usually ask ECRs to decide upon through our mailing list. It is around that time that we usually get to vote for the next incoming representative.
Why are there two ECR reps?
You might be thinking that it would suffice to have one person to organize everything. It has been done, it is not recommended 🙂. For one, given the size of the council, it makes sense to have a bit more weight, as the idea is to give a better representation for the “voiceless” young diatomists. Because of it, the two-ECR-representative-model appeared. It is based on a new person coming in around every IDS. The person voted in (incoming) takes over decision making and the “flavouring” of the Young ISDR, while the outgoing representative steps back, helps and advises the incoming. The outgoing representative that was there before is voted out and no longer is part of the council (which will be my case in South Africa).
As we are ECRs things can get messy, as a lack of a permanent position means that changes can occur at the drop of a hat. That is no problem if communicated in time, and can be caught on by the outgoing representative, and, if necessary, new elections can be called.
Why should I want to be an ECR rep?
It is a great way to gain visibility within the diatom community. The council contains very big names in the field, and you have the same voting right as them. At the same time you are doing a good deed with people surrounding you that also enjoy doing it. Within the Young ISDR the atmosphere is productive and fun! As you can see on our about section, we have people from around the world volunteering. The role allows you to expand your network, connect with like-minded researchers, and develop leadership and organizational skills—all valuable for advancing your career. You’ll be part of a supportive, international team that is passionate about diatoms and scientific collaboration.
Would you want to be an ECR rep?
If you think you might want to try, or if you want to see what Young ISDR is about, drop us a line at youngdiatomists@gmail.com and you could come to a Young ISDR Core meeting and talk to us about it 😀